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Catherine Connolly has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing diversity, the Irish language, and the history of independence.

In her inauguration address, the president outlined a leftwing alternative contrasting with the mainstream political consensus.

“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she remarked, pointing to her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, to categorise, to exclude and to hinder independent thought.”

On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote environmental measures, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name where each person matters and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a voice for causes—a tradition the new president will likely uphold.

In a venue filled with officials, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, the president expressed regret over “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”

Praising Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she said: “Our experience of colonisation and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, hunger, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with consent. One major group declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras, it will have first place as a language of business.”

No country can voice its aspirations if the native language used forebears was lost, she commented. “It has been relegated without due honour or recognition. The national spirit were dampened when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with every word.”

A 21-gun salute was fired as the head of state received the seal of office.